BLUETOOTH RISING

Headsets have come a long way from the inconvenient bricks we used to slap on our helmets. Bluetooth communicators have become so popular and successful that some companies are now working in tandem with helmet manufacturers to build custom electronics.

The $300 SRL from Sena (short for Shoei Rider Link) is designed to lay straight into the factory framework of

Shoei’s new Neotec II modular ($699). Capabilities are similar to Sena’s popular 20S unit, meaning as many as eight intercom connections and “audio multitasking” —your music will gently subside, for example, when GPS directions are being piped into your lid.

A charging port is accessible at the base of the main module, which tucks into a nook in the back of the helmet, and the three- button control unit sits on the left side of the shell’s rim. How much more integrated can systems get? You guessed it, Sena is a big enough name in the headset game that it has started producing its own helmet.

Shoei Neotec Ii With Integrated Sena Bluetooth Headset

Ogio’s All Elements backpack is ideal for those in temperate climates. This probably isn’t the pack for SoCal dwellers, but for the Pacific Northwest—or other wet climates—the All Elements pack is right as…rain! Whether you’re an everyday commuter or a weekend warrior, the waterproof material and roll-top construction locks out moisture to keep your gear nice and dry. Accessing belongings is easy thanks to the water-resistant front zippered pocket. For comfort, shoulder straps are great for long bouts in the saddle, and the adjustable sternum strap ensures security. When you want to keep your gear dry and portable, the All Elements backpack is a good choice.

$139.99

We’re really digging the style of Velomacchi’s 40L rolltop backpack, a larger version of Velomacchi’s 28L roll-top pack. The 40L is a watertight, versatile backpack that carries enough gear for at least a two-day trek. The central sternum coupler’s magnetized clasp keeps the pack secure to your body, but with a quick turn of the release button the pack can be removed with ease. The 40L keeps your baggage close to your center of gravity and distributes the weight off of your shoulders, allowing for a more comfortable ride too. Overall, we like this one when in a hurry to get to and fro, but we’re not quite sure about the sternum coupler.

Fresno Shoe

Classic skate inspired riding shoe, fully waterproof and reinforced for your protection.

Cocoon Slim S

Looking for efficiency? Meet the Cocoon’s Slim S. This portable pack was designed for Type A personalities who like to overorganize. The main storage area cradles your 13-inch laptop, 10-inch tablet, and much more, but the interior sleeve’s Grid-It pocket features a unique storage system (a rubberized woven elastic objectretention system for gadget organization) that allows you to cinch down belongings to keep them organized. With water-resistant ballistic nylon and waterproof zippers, everything inside stays safe and dry. The adjustable shoulder straps, minimalist design, and gunmetal hardware supply plenty of comfort and style. The Slim S also fits comfortably in a Harley-Davidson or Indian saddlebag with room for more gear.

Chrome Macheto

The Chrome Macheto is great because it’s a solid, boxylooking pack that’s great for extended travel (almost like a large nylon briefcase) but it converts to backpack on the fly. The simple travel pack will keep your favorite ripped ’80s hair-metal tees, accompanying spandex pants, and multiple cans of Aqua Net organized in one compartment, and your gadgets and gizmos can be stashed in another for easy access when you have to pull off the road to see if that special someone liked your Instagram post. Shoulder straps can be easily accessed, so you can switch things up and rock it like a backpack on long hauls. Or, simply bungee it down to your passenger seat or cinch it to your luggage rack and you’re good to go. The best part? The travel pack is guaranteed for life.